7-Eleven joining trend towards healthy food options

The food world is turning fresh and 7-Eleven is hopping on the bandwagon. 7-Eleven is famous for convenience items full of sugar and fat, and everything you need for that road trip, morning commute or lunchtime break. The Slurpee’s, hot dogs, and candy galore have been the convenience stores’ claim to fame, but the company is refocusing its business strategy to give the public healthier food options.

Already started, but the new approach will be implemented entirely by 2015, with the goal of at least 20% of all sales coming from fresh foods. This includes yogurts, lean deli meats, whole wheat bread sandwiches, fresh cheese, salads, and more fruit. Chief Executive Joseph M. DePinto says “We’re aspiring to be more of a food and beverage company, and that aligns with what the consumer now wants, which is more tasty, healthy, fresh food choices”. They are not only providing healthier foods, but are also repackaging junk food items into portion control sizes.

The decision to carry health conscious meals and snacks is not just a matter of good customer service, but it is a strategy that will also help the company to survive financially. 7-Eleven is working hard to keep up with the competition. Other companies that serve convenience food items, like Starbucks and Sheetz, have already introduced healthy food items into their menu. Also, as 7-Eleven loses revenue from the country-wide decline in cigarette sales, they are looking for ways to compensate for the loss.

The diet of America is slowly starting to change, forcing retailers to innovate and catch up with the food movement that is happening in this country. The fact that this food movement has reached convenience stores should be a sign to consumers of how important it is to make the right food choices.